When you have finished a perfect pair of socks, do you block them? I must admit, I sometimes fudge on that part because I have never found a really good way to block them and have them come out right. There is a solution though and it is easy. Best of all it won’t cost you a dime. Print out this tutorial and put it in your notebook of techniques. You will be glad you have it. I am going to make sure this becomes a regular part of my sock making ritual – it seems that if we cheat on the blocking, our projects just aren’t as perfect as we’d like. This is a solution I can live with! Easy and Inexpensive Sock Blocking [Read more]

Everyone is celebrating Earth Day today. It is something we should do everyday, but today is the day we acknowledge our home planet and pay tribute by our activities, or in this case our crafts. I found two classic patterns by “Vogue Knitting,” that do this better than any others I have seen. I love this pattern myself – I have since the day it debuted and someday I will make it. The most famous of the patterns I am referring to is the “World Map Sweater,” by “Vogue Knitting.” It is perhaps their flagship sweater – it has never lost its popularity since its original debute in 1991, and I can’t think it ever will. It continues to be reprinted in a cardstock leaflet and can be purchased... [Read more]

Every now and again, there comes along a pattern in crochet that I would love to make, but I would prefer it knitted. In the back of my mind, I have an afghan pattern that I love – it is all double crochet stitches and there is a scene created through the color changes. I found a guide that helps the knitter convert crochet instructions into a knitting pattern. It isn’t difficult but having instructions in front of you, makes the process a little bit easier. Be sure you print out a copy and file another one away in the computer. Convert Crochet Instructions to a Knit Pattern [Read more]

Fingerless gloves are very popular but not everyone knits. I have heard from some crocheters who would like a fingerless mitt or glove pattern in crochet. I found one. It is easy and a fast project. If you have hands that chill easily when typing or doing your yarn crafts, consider these as a solution. Crocheting up a pair shouldn’t take you any time at all! Crocheted Fingerless Gloves [Read more]

I found a nifty tutorial on a technique for knitting yarn-over short-row toe-up toes on socks. In other words, you can get around grafting the two together at the end if you are used to working cuff down. Try the toe up method – it is a great way to eliminate holes when picking up stitches and creating a sock that fits perfectly. This particular tutorial is very explicit and is amply illustrated with photographs to aid instruction. It is from “Purly White,” a blog by a self-proclaimed “high-maintenance” knitter. Yarn-Over Short-Row Toe-Up Toe [Read more]